Indoor Unit of Air Conditioner

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner. The present invention provides an indoor unit ( 1000 ) of an air conditioner, having a picture frame panel ( 40 ), the picture frame panel ( 40 ) including a picture frame base ( 42 ) mounted to a front of the indoor unit ( 1000 ), a deco-frame ( 44 ) rotatably mounted to a front of the picture frame base ( 42 ), and a supporting unit ( 300 ) for supporting the deco-frame ( 44 ) in a case the deco-frame ( 44 ) rotates with respect to the picture frame base ( 42 ), thereby permitting easy replacement of the exhibit being mounted on the picture frame base ( 42 ) by setting a rotated state of the deco-frame ( 44 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to indoor units of air conditioners, and more particularly, to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a picture frame panel is provided for mounting an exhibit, such as a photograph or a picture thereto, and enables easy replacement of the exhibit.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, the air conditioner, serving as a room heater, a room cooler, or an air purifier for cooling/heating a room, or purifying room air, provides human being a better room environment. Recently, an air conditioner has been developed, which is provided with a turbo-fan to minimize a thickness of a cabinet thereof to permit the air conditioner to be mounted on a wall of the room like a picture frame.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an indoor unit of a related art air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 19, the related art indoor unit is provided with a thin and rectangular cabinet 1 having an opened front, a fan 2 in the cabinet 1, a heat exchanger 5 in front of the fan 2, a front panel 6 in front of the heat exchanger 5 having suction openings 7 for drawing air, an orifice 8 between the fan 2 and the heat exchanger 5, and front grills 9 mounted to be rotatable at a predetermined angle to a front plane of the front panel 6 for opening/closing the suction openings 7.

The orifice 8 is between the heat exchanger 5 and the fan 2 for guiding the air from the suction openings 7 to the fan 2. In the meantime, on a front surface of the front panel 6, there is a filter 10 for filtering air drawing thus.

In the meantime, the related art indoor unit has a problem in that the plurality of front grills 9 rotating at the front of the indoor unit impede a portion of the front panel 6 occupied by the front grills 9. That is, if the exhibit is mounted to the front of the front panel 9 of the related art indoor unit, there has been an inconvenience in that it is required to remove the exhibit from the portion for rotation of the front grills 9 in a case it is intended to operate the indoor unit, and to mount the exhibit again after the operation of the indoor unit is stopped.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention lies on providing an indoor unit of an air conditioner, which enables mounting of an exhibit on a front of the indoor unit for appreciation and easy replacement of the exhibit.

Technical Solution

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an indoor unit of an air conditioner, having a picture frame panel, the picture frame panel includes a picture frame base mounted to a front of the indoor unit, a deco-frame rotatably mounted to a front of the picture frame base, and a supporting unit for supporting the deco-frame in a case the deco-frame rotates with respect to the picture frame base.

The supporting unit may include a supporting bar having one end rotatably connected to one of the picture frame base and the deco-frame, and the other end held at the other one thereof.

In the meantime, the other one to which the supporting bar is not connected may include a supporting member for holding the other end of the supporting bar.

The supporting member may have holding slots for placing in, and setting the other end of the supporting bar.

The holding slots are perpendicular to a rotation axis of the deco-frame, and a number of the holding slots are more than two.

In the meantime, the supporting bar may be rotatably mounted in a receiving groove in one of the picture frame base and the deco-frame, and projected to an outside of the picture frame base or the deco-frame.

The supporting bar may include rotation preventive means for preventing the supporting bar from rotating more than a predetermined angle.

The rotation preventive means may include a bent portion of the supporting bar adjacent to the one end, so that the bent portion is brought into contact with an inside surface of the receiving groove in a case the supporting bar rotates to prevent the supporting bar from rotating any more.

Preferably, the supporting bar has a holding grip at one side.

In the meantime, the other one to which the supporting bar is not connected may have a groove for placing the supporting bar therein, selectively.

The groove may have a step on an inside for holding the other end of the supporting bar.

The step includes an upper slope on an inside surface of the groove for seating and setting the other end of the supporting bar, and a lower slope extended from a lower portion of the upper slope, with a slope more moderate than the upper slope with respect to the inside surface of the groove.

In the meantime, the supporting bar may have a stopper at the other end, and the groove has falling off preventive ribs at opposite edges, so that the other end of the supporting bar moves along the inside of the groove when the picture frame base rotates.

The indoor unit may further include rotation preventive means for preventing the supporting bar from rotating more than a predetermined angle.

The rotation preventive means may include a stopping step on an inside of the groove, so that one side of the supporting bar is held at the stopping step when the supporting bar rotates following rotation of the picture frame base, to prevent the supporting bar from rotating any more.

The stopping step may be positioned at a position above the step.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

Since the supporting unit of the indoor unit of the present invention supports the deco-frame which rotates in front of the picture frame base on which an exhibit or the like is to be mounted thereon, the user can replace the exhibit or the like easily by using two hands freely without help of other, or an other device.

Since the supporting bar of the indoor unit is received in the picture frame base of the deco-frame and projected to an outside thereof selectively, the picture frame base and the deco-frame can be put close positively while minimizing a projected portion.

By adjusting a rotation angle of the deco-frame at which the deco-frame is supported freely according to a size of an exhibit intended to replace, the exhibit or the like can be replaced easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an indoor unit in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the front panel in FIG. 1 having the filter separated therefrom;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front panel in FIG. 2 having the filter mounted thereon;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the filter in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a state a deco-frame is rotated in an indoor unit in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a state a supporting bar in FIG. 7 is rotated to support the deco-frame;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of the deco-frame in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a state a deco-frame is rotated in an indoor unit in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a state the deco-frame is not rotated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a state the deco-frame is rotated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a back side perspective view of the picture frame panel of the indoor unit in accordance with a first or second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a state a picture frame panel is mounted on a front of a front panel of an indoor unit of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a rotating unit for rotating a picture frame panel (a front panel is omitted from FIG. 14 for convenience sake) in the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a state a driving motor is separated from a back side of a front panel in the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the front panel having the driving motor in FIG. 15 mounted on the back side of the front panel;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a state a picture frame panel is in close contact with a front panel in an indoor unit of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a state the picture frame panel in FIG. 17 is rotated by the driving motor; and

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a related art indoor unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts, and repetitive description of which will be omitted.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an indoor unit in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the indoor unit 1000 of an air conditioner includes a fan 26, a cabinet 20 which is an exterior of the indoor unit 1000 having the fan 26 mounted therein, a heat exchanger 50 in the cabinet 20 for heat exchange with room air, and air guides 60, and 70 for guiding air from the fan 26.

In detail, the indoor unit 1000 includes a front panel 30 on a front of the cabinet 20, and a picture frame panel 40 is rotatably mounted on a front of the front panel 30. When it is intended to drive the indoor unit 1000, the picture frame panel 40 is rotated to form a gap to the front panel 30, and room air is introduced into the indoor unit 1000 through the gap, to make heat exchange with the heat exchanger 50.

In the meantime, the picture frame panel 40 includes a picture frame base 42 for mounting an exhibit, such as a painting or a photograph, thereto, a deco-frame 44 having an opening, and rotatably mounted in front of the picture frame base 42, and a transparent plate 46 in front of the deco-frame 44. Once the exhibit is mounted to the picture frame base 42, the exhibit can be appreciated through the opening in the deco-frame 44 and the transparent plate 46. Moreover, if it is intended to replace the exhibit, the deco-frame 44 is rotated to form a gap for replacement, which will be described in detail, later.

The front panel 30 has a central suction opening 32, and is fastened to the cabinet 20 with fastening means (not shown), such as bolts. The front panel 30 includes the central suction opening 32 and a service cover 34 detachably mounted to one side thereof for shielding a portion of an inside of the cabinet 20.

In front of the front panel 30, there is a front grill 36, and a filter 80 is supported on the front grill 36 and placed in the front panel 30, for filtering air being drawn.

In the meantime, mounted between the front panel 30 and the cabinet 20 in succession, there are a heat exchanger 50 for making heat exchange with air from the suction opening 32 of the front panel 30 to heat/cool the room, an orifice 55 for guiding air being drawn, and a fan 26 for blowing the air. The cabinet 20 has at least one outlet 22 for discharging the air from the fan 26.

The fan 26, between the cabinet 20 and the orifice 55, blows air from the suction opening 32 in the front panel 30 toward the cabinet 20, entirely. The fan 26 may be a centrifugal fan that discharges air from the orifice 55 in a circumferential direction.

The outlet 22 may be formed on both sides of the fan 26, i.e., in both sides of the cabinet 20 for discharging the air from the fan 26 to an outside of the cabinet 20. An outlet unit 24 which is opened/closed by a control unit of the indoor unit 100 is mounted on the outlet 22 in a bottom of the cabinet 20 for discharging air to the room.

In the meantime, the air guides 60, and 70 mounted over the fan 26, i.e., on an upper side of the cabinet 20 guide the air from the fan 26 to the outlets 22 in the both sides of the cabinet 20.

The heat exchanger 50 mounted in front of the orifice 55 heat exchanges with the room air for cooling/heating the room air, and under the heat exchanger 50, there is a drain pan 52 for holding condensed water from the heat exchanger 50. The heat exchanger 50 is fixed to the front panel 30 or the orifice 55, and has a connection pipe 54 at one side for connection to a refrigerant piping (not shown) led from an outside of the indoor unit. In the meantime, the connection pipe 54 of the heat exchanger 50 is hidden under the service cover 34 in the front panel 30 so as not to be shown to an outside of the indoor unit.

In the meantime, mounted to a corner of the cabinet 20, there is a pipe cover 21 to form a portion of an exterior of the indoor unit 100. The pipe cover 21 is mounted to a plurality of places among four corners of the cabinet 20, wherein the embodiment suggests two covers mounted to two lower corners for leading external refrigerant piping therethrough. An unexplained reference numeral 58 denotes a control box of the control unit of the air conditioner mounted on the orifice 55.

In the meantime, since the cabinet 20 is secured to a room wall with brackets 28 on the back side of the cabinet 20, the indoor unit 1000 of the present invention can be secured to the room wall, rigidly.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the front panel in FIG. 1 having the filter 80 separated the front panel 30 in an indoor unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front panel 30 in FIG. 2 having the filter 80 mounted thereon.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the front panel 30 has a central suction opening 32, and a service cover 34 detachably mounted to one side of the front panel 30 for covering a portion of an inside of the cabinet 20. The service cover 20 forms a portion of an exterior of the front panel 30 and is detachably mounted to the front panel 30, and in the embodiment, is fastened thereto with fastening means like bolts (not shown). The service cover 34, mounted to the front panel 30 to be positioned on an outer side of the connection pipe 54 (see FIG. 1) of the heat exchanger 50 (see FIG. 1), prevents the connection pipe 54 from exposing to an outside of the indoor unit.

On a front of the front panel 30, a front grill 36 is formed for directing the room air introduced thereto through the suction opening 32 toward the orifice 55 (see FIG. 1), and a filter 80 is mounted to the suction opening 32 for filtering the room air directed to the orifice 55. The front grill 36 extends from an edge of the suction opening 32 of the front panel 30 toward a center thereof, and is designed to have a minimum area for reducing resistance to the air flowing through the suction opening 32. In the embodiment, the front grill 36 is formed an upper portion and opposite portions of the suction opening 32. In the meantime, in the present invention, the filter 80 is supported on the front grill 36 of the front panel 30 so as to be detachable from the front panel 30.

The filter 80 and the front grill 36 which supports the filter 80 are projected forward from the front panel 30, i.e., projected toward the picture frame panel 40, moderately.

Accordingly, the front grill 36 has a central portion 38 of the suction opening 32 projected forward more than an edge portion 37 directly connected to the front panel 30. That is, the central portion 38 of the front grill 36 is positioned nearer to the picture frame panel 40 than the edge portion 37, making the central portion 38 to be positioned farther from the heat exchanger 50 in rear of the front panel 30 than the edge portion 37. This structure prevents the filter 80 seated on the front grill 36 from being brought into contact with the heat exchanger 50. In the meantime, in the front grill 36, the edge portion 37 and the central portion 38 may be connected with a moderate slope, and preferably, in the embodiment, the edge portion 37 and the central portion 38 are connected such that bent portions each projected forward are formed at a middle of the edge portion 37 and the central portion 38.

In order to hold the filter 80 in position, there are stoppers 31 and slots 33 at the edge of the suction opening 32 of the front panel 30 as means for holding the filter 80, and the filter 80 has projections 81 at a bottom of the filter 80 in correspondence to the slots 33. In detail, an upper edge of the filter 80 is placed on inner sides of the stoppers 31 at the upper side of the suction opening 32 of the front panel 30, and the projections 81 at the bottom of the filter 80 are placed in, and held by the slots 33 at a lower side of the suction opening 32 respectively, to secure the filter 80 to the front panel 30. The stopper 31 has a hook shape which surrounds an upper edge of the filter 80, to surround an outer side of the filter 80 preventing the filter 80 from separating from the front panel 30. The slots 33 in the front panel 30 has an opened top side for placing the projection 81 therein, and the slot 33 is formed in front of the front panel 30 for preventing the filter 80 for being positioned close to the heat exchanger 50.

In the meantime, the filter 80 includes a filter frame 83 coupled to and supported on the front panel 30, and a filter mesh 82 secured to the filter frame 83 for filtering foreign matters from the room air passing through the filter 80. The filter frame 83 has a size and shape in conformity with the suction opening 32 and mounted close to the front panel 30 along the edges of the suction opening 32. In this case, though the filter 80 covers the suction opening 32, the filter 80 does not cover the service cover 34. In the embodiment, the filter frame 83 is square in conformity with the suction opening 32, with a plurality of ribs 84 crossing one another. The plurality of ribs 84 crossing one another enhances an entire stiffness of the filter 80.

In the meantime, the ribs 84 on the filter frame 83 have central portions projected forward with moderate slopes. Accordingly, the ribs 84 on an inner side of the filter frame 83 have central portions projected forward more than the filter frame 83 on the whole to form a bulged shape. In order to minimize a contact area with the air passing through the filter 80, the ribs 84 has a shape identical to the front grill 36 of the front panel 30, and the ribs 84 on an inner side of the filter frame 83 are seated, and supported on the front grill 36. At the end, owing to the bulged central portions of the ribs 84 compared to the filter frame 83, contact of the filter 80 to the heat exchanger 50 is suppressed, and an area of the filter mesh 82 is increased compared to a planer filter.

In the meantime, FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the filter 80.

Referring to FIG. 4, the filter frame 83 has supporting portions 86 formed thereon for preventing the bulged ribs 84 from being deformed pressed down by the picture frame panel 40 or the like. The supporting portions 86 are formed at connection portions of the filter frame 83 and the ribs 84, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the supporting portions 86 formed in the embodiment are projected forward from the filter frame 83, as much as a difference of heights at the center of the filer frame 83 and the ribs 84. That is, the supporting portions 86 are formed starting from the filter frame 83 following the ribs 84 such that an end portion 87 thereof has a height the same with the central portion of the ribs 84. Though two supporting portions 86 are shown in the drawing, a number of the supporting portion 86 is not limited to two, but only one supporting portion 86 may be formed.

In the meantime, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 again, at a lower portion of the front of the front panel 30, there are a plurality of journals 120 formed thereon to be connected to hinge shafts 41 (see FIG. 5) of the picture frame panel 40 described later respectively, to serve as hinge shafts when the picture frame panel 40 is rotated. An unexplained reference numeral 100 in FIG. 3 denotes a guide unit for guiding rotation of the picture frame panel 40, which will be described later.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a picture frame panel 40 having a supporting unit 300 mounted thereto in an indoor unit in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the picture frame panel 40 includes a picture frame base 42 for mounting the exhibit thereto, a deco-frame 44 rotatably connected to a front of the picture frame base 42, and a transparent plate 46 attached to a front of the deco-frame 42.

Though the picture frame base 42 can have a variety of shapes, it is preferable that the picture frame base 42 is square. The picture frame base 42 has a recess 49 in the front for mounting the exhibit, such as a painting or a photograph.

There is a deco-frame 44 rotatably mounted to the front of the picture frame base 42, and on the front of the deco-frame 44, there is a transparent plate 46 attached thereto.

The deco-frame 44 is square with an opening. The transparent plate 46 is formed of transparent acryl or glass, for making the exhibit on the picture frame base 42 displayed to a front of the indoor unit. The deco-frame 44 has a top edge rotatably connected to the picture frame base 42, preferably with a hinge. Since the hinge is known, detailed description of the hinge will be omitted.

In the meantime, a supporting unit is provided for maintaining a rotated state once the deco-frame 44 is rotated.

In the embodiment, the supporting unit 300 includes a supporting bar 310 having one end rotatably connected to one side, preferably a front of the picture frame base 42, and the other end held at the deco-frame 44. Though the drawing shows that the supporting bar 310 is rotatably connected to the picture frame base 42, the one end of the supporting bar 310 may be rotatably connected to the deco-frame 44, and the other end thereof may be held at the picture frame base 42.

Preferably, the supporting bar 310 is rotatably connected to the picture frame base 42 such that the supporting bar 310 is received in a receiving groove 304 in one side of the picture frame base 42. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the supporting bar 310 is in the receiving groove 304 in ordinary times without being projected beyond the picture frame base 42. However, if the deco-frame 44 is rotated, the supporting bar 310 is rotated, to make the supporting bar 310 projected beyond the picture frame base 42 selectively, to support the deco-frame (see FIG. 6).

The supporting unit of the embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a state the deco-frame 44 is rotated and supported on the supporting bar 310.

Referring to FIG. 6, the supporting bar 310 has one end rotatably hinged on the picture frame base 42 with a hinge shaft 302. As described before, it is preferable that the picture frame base 42 has the receiving groove 304 in one side, and the supporting bar 310 is rotatably connected to the picture frame base 42 such that the supporting bar 310 is received in a receiving groove 304 in one side of the picture frame base 42.

The supporting bar 310 has a vacant inside, preferably with a plurality of ribs 314 for providing an adequate stiffness for supporting the deco-frame 44. The supporting bar 310 is designed to have a predetermined length, and the user may adjust a rotation angle of the deco-frame 44 supported by the supporting bar 310 by changing a length of the supporting bar 304.

Preferably, the supporting bar 310 has a holding tip 316 at one side, and the receiving groove 304 has an additional holding tip slot 306 for putting the holding tip 316 therein. The holding tip 316 is shown in detail in an enlarged view in FIG. 5. In a case the supporting bar 310 is rotated, the user can rotate the supporting bar 310 by using the holding tip 316, easily.

In the meantime, in the embodiment, the supporting bar 310 has a bent portion 318 (see FIG. 5) adjacent to the hinge shaft 302. The bent portion 318 serves to prevent the supporting bar 310 from rotating more than a predetermined angle. That is, if the supporting bar 310 rotates from a state of FIG. 5, the bent portion 318 of the supporting bar 310 comes close to an inside surface 307 of the receiving groove 304, and, as shown in FIG. 6, if the bent portion 318 is in contact with the inside surface 307 of the receiving groove 318, the supporting bar 310 can not rotate any more.

In the meantime, the other end of the supporting bar 310 is held at the deco-frame 44, which will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of the deco-frame 44.

Referring to FIG. 7, the deco-frame 44 has a supporting member 320 at one side for holding the other end of the supporting bar 310.

The supporting member 320 includes holding slots 324 between adjacent supporting ribs 322. The holding slot 324 is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the deco-frame 44 parallel to the top edge of the deco-frame 44. There may be one or, preferably, more than one holding slots 324 for adjusting the rotating angle of the deco-frame depending on which one of the holding slots 324 will the other end of the supporting bar 310 (see FIG. 6) be held. In FIG. 7, since the deco-frame 44 rotates around the top edge, compared to a case when the other end of the supporting bar 310 is held at the lowest holding slot 328, the rotating angle of the deco-frame 44 will be greater in a case when the other end of the supporting bar 310 is held at the highest holding slot 326 near to the top edge.

In the meantime, FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a picture frame panel 40 having a supporting unit 300 mounted thereto in an indoor unit in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, since a structure of the picture frame panel 40 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, repetitive description of which will be omitted.

The supporting unit in the second embodiment includes a supporting bar 330 having one end rotatably connected to one side of the deco-frame 44, preferably to a back side. The supporting bar 330 is placed in the groove 340 in the picture frame base 42.

That is, if the deco-frame 44 is not rotated, the supporting bar 330 is placed in the groove 340 such that the supporting bar 330 is not projected beyond the picture frame base 42 (see FIG. 10), so as to be projected beyond the picture frame base 42 only when the deco-frame 44 is rotated. Though the drawing illustrates that the supporting bar 330 is rotatably hinged on the back side of the deco-frame 44 with a hinge shaft 333 (see FIG. 9), one end of the supporting bar 330 may be rotatably connected to the picture frame base 42, and the other end thereof may be held at the deco-frame 44.

In the meantime, the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 moves along an inside of the groove 340 in the picture frame base 42. In detail, the supporting bar 330 has a stopper 336 at the other end 334, and the groove 340 has falling off preventive ribs 342 at opposite edges (for reference, in an enlarged drawing in FIG. 8, one side wall of the groove 340 is cut away for showing an inside of the groove 340).

Accordingly, if the deco-frame 44 is rotated upward in FIG. 8, the supporting bar 330 rotates in a clockwise direction, when the stopper 336 at the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 is held at the falling off preventive ribs 342, preventing the supporting bar 330 from projecting beyond the groove 340. Though the falling off preventive ribs 342 may be extended from an uppermost portion to a lowermost portion of the opposite inside of the groove 340, preferably, as shown in the drawing, the falling off preventive ribs 342 are not formed at the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion of the opposite inside of the groove 340 for easy placement of the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 in the groove 340.

In the meantime, on an inside of the groove 340, there is a step 350 for stopping movement of the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330. The step 350 is shown the best in FIG. 9, and will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a side view of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, the step 350 includes an upper slope 352 on an inside surface 346 of the groove for seating the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330, and a lower slope 354 extended from a lower portion of the upper slope 352.

Though an angle of the slope 352 to the inside surface of the groove 340 is not defined, the angle is formed such that the slope 352 is adequate enough for the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 to be seated without slip.

The lower slope 354 is extended from the lower portion of the upper slope 352. As shown, the lower slope 354 has a slope more moderate than the upper slope 352 with respect to the inside surface 346 of the groove 340. Such a structure is for preventing the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 from being interfered by the lower slope 354 in a case the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 is moved upward along the groove 340 following rotation of the deco-frame 46. If the lower slope 354 had a slope similar to the upper slope 352, the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 will be held at, and interfered by the lower slope.

In the meantime, by varying a position of the step 350, rotation angles of the supporting bar 330 and the deco-frame 44 can be varied. That is, if the step 350 is formed at an upper portion of the inside surface 346 of the groove 340, to position the step 350 nearer to the rotation shaft of the deco-frame 44, the rotation angles of the supporting bar 330 and the deco-frame 44 become greater. Opposite to this, if the step 350 is formed at a lower portion of the inside surface 346 of the groove 340, to position the step 350 farther from the rotation shaft of the deco-frame 44, the rotation angles of the supporting bar 330 and the deco-frame 44 become smaller.

In the meantime, in the embodiment, the groove 340 has a stopping step 344 on an inside. The stopping step 344 prevents the supporting bar 330 from rotating more than a predetermined angle. That is, the stopping step 344 is at an upper side of the step 350 in the groove 340, for preventing the supporting bar 330 from rotating more than a predetermined angle. Functions of the stopping step 334 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a state the deco-frame 44 is not rotated in a case the picture frame panel 40 is rotated with respect to the front panel 30, and FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a state the deco-frame 44 is rotated in FIG. 10.

If the deco-frame 44 is rotated upward in a counter clockwise direction in a state of FIG. 10, the supporting bar 330 rotates in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 11 following rotation of the deco-frame 44.

At the end, as the supporting bar 330 rotates, the stopper 336 (see FIG. 8) at the other end 334 moves upward along the groove 340 guided by the falling off preventive ribs 342 (see FIG. 8). That is, while the supporting bar 330 rotates on the whole, the other end 334 moves upward along the groove 340.

If one side of the supporting bar 330 is brought into contact with the stopping step 344 as the supporting bar 330 moves upward, the supporting bar 330 can move upward along the groove 340 no more due to the stopping step 344, to stop the rotation, too. In this case, since the stopping step 344 is positioned on an upper side of the step 350, the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 is positioned on an upper side of the upper slope 352 (see FIG. 9) of the step 350. Accordingly, the user rotates the deco-frame 44 downward finely so that the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 seats on the upper slope 352. Accordingly, the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 seats, and supported on the upper slope 352 of the step 350.

In the meantime, if it is intended to put the deco-frame 44 close to the picture frame base 42 closely, above steps are progressed in a reverse direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in a state the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 is seated on, and held at the step 350, the deco-frame 44 is rotated upward finely, to make the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 to move away from the step 350, and the stopper 336 (see FIG. 8) to be held at the falling off preventive ribs 342. In this case, the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 moves along the groove 340 until the entire supporting bar 330 from the other end 334 to the one end 332 is received in the groove 340 (see FIG. 10).

In the meantime, the indoor unit of the present invention includes fastening units 130 for preventing the picture frame panel 40 from rotating in a case the picture frame panel 40 is in close contact with the front panel 30.

FIG. 12 illustrates a back side perspective view of the picture frame panel of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the picture frame fastening unit 130 includes a fastening member 132 movably mounted on the back side of the deco-frame 44, and a guide member 135 on the back side of the deco-frame 44 for guiding a moving direction of the fastening member 132.

The fastening member 132 has a plate shape, with top/bottom edges placed in grooves 136 in the guide member 135, for guiding the fastening member 132 in left/right direction along an arrow mark. Therefore, if one end of the fastening member 132 moves toward a recess 47 in the back side of the picture frame base 42, since the one end of the fastening member 132 is brought into close contact to the back side of the picture frame base 42, while the other end 134 is connected to the deco-frame still, the fastening member 132 can prevent the deco-frame 44 from rotating with respect to the picture frame base 42.

The operation of the picture frame panel 40 will be described.

If it is intended to replace the exhibit or the like mounted on the picture frame base 42 already, the user moves the fastening member 132 on the back side of the picture frame base 42 in a left direction in FIG. 12, putting the deco-frame 44 into a rotatable state.

Then, the user lifts the deco-frame 44 to turn the deco-frame 44 around the top end, and sets the deco-frame 44.

Methods for setting the deco-frame 44 are different from each other for the first and second embodiments, which will be described in succession.

In the first embodiment, the user grips the holding grip 316 and rotates the supporting bar 310, and places and sets the other end of the supporting bar 310 in the holding slot 324 (see FIG. 6). In this case, by varying the holding slot 324 in which the other end of the supporting bar 310 is placed, the user can adjust a rotation angle of the deco-frame 44 (see FIG. 7). In the meantime, in a case the bent portion 318 is in contact with the inside surface 307 of the receiving groove 304, the supporting bar 310 can not rotate any more.

Thus, after setting the deco-frame 44 in a rotated state, the user replaces the exhibit or the like by using the gap between the deco-frame 44 and the picture frame base 42. Once the replacement is finished, the user rotates the supporting bar 310 in an opposite direction, to put the supporting bar 310 in the receiving groove 304 such that the supporting bar 310 is not projected beyond the receiving groove 304, and puts the deco-frame 44 close to the picture frame base 42, to finish the work.

In the meantime, in a case of the second embodiment, the deco-frame 44 is rotated upward from a state of FIG. 10, to rotate the supporting bar 330 in a clockwise direction on the whole, to move the other end 334 upward along the groove 340.

If one side of the supporting bar 330 is brought into contact with the stopping step 344 as the supporting bar 330 rotates upward, the user rotates the deco-frame 44 finely so that the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 seats on the upper slope 352. According to this, the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 seats, and supported on the upper slope 352 of the step 350.

Thus, after setting the deco-frame 44, the exhibit or the like mounted on the picture frame base 41 is replaced. In the meantime, if the user finishes the replacement, and is intended to put the deco-frame 44 close to the picture frame base 42 again, the user rotates the deco-frame 44 upward slightly, to make the other end 334 of the supporting bar 330 to move away from the step 350, such that the stopper 336 (see FIG. 8) is held at the falling off preventive ribs 342. Then, the deco-frame 44 is moved downward, to put the deco-frame 44 close to the picture frame base 42.

The operation of rotating the picture frame panel 40 with respect to the front panel 30 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 12 again, on the back side of the picture frame base 42, there are guide brackets 43 to be engaged with the guide units 100 (see FIG. 3) on the front panel 30 (see FIG. 3) respectively, rotating brackets 45 to be engaged with a rotating units 200 (see FIG. 13) for rotating the picture frame panel 40, and hinge shafts 41 for the picture frame panel 40 to turn therearound.

There are a plurality of the hinge shafts 41 at a lower side of the back side of the picture frame panel 40, for seating on the journals 120 (see FIG. 2) on a lower side of the front of the front panel 30 for serving as rotation shafts when the picture frame panel 40 rotates.

In the meantime, the guide units 100 are engaged with the guide brackets 43 on the upper side of the back side of the picture frame base 42. The guide unit 100 has opposite ends hinged to the bracket 39 (see FIG. 3) on the front of the front panel 30, and the guide bracket 43 on the back side of the picture frame panel 40, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 3, the guide unit 100 includes a picture frame arm 102 hinged on the guide bracket 43 of the picture frame panel 40 (see FIG. 40), and a panel arm 106 hinged on the bracket 39 of the front panel 30, such that the picture frame arm 102 and the panel arm 106 slide with respect to each other.

The panel arm 106 has a guide projection 108 at one end 107, and the picture frame arm 102 has a guide groove 103 for the guide projection 108 to move therein. Accordingly, if the guide projection 108 is placed in the guide groove 103 of the picture frame arm 102, such that the picture frame arm 102 and the panel arm 106 slide with respect to each other, to rotate the picture frame panel 40, a total length of the guide unit 100 is varied.

That is, if the picture frame panel 40 rotates such that one end of the picture frame panel 40 moves away from the front panel 30, the picture frame arm 102 and the panel arm 106 slide with respect to each other increasing a length of the guide unit 100, and rotation of the picture frame panel 40 beyond the increased length of the guide unit 100 is prevented. Opposite to this, if the picture frame panel 40 rotates until the picture frame panel 40 is in close contact to the front panel 30, the picture frame arm 102 and the panel arm 106 slide with respect to each other until the picture frame arm 102 and the panel arm 106 overlap with each other, reducing the length of the guide unit 100.

In the meantime, the picture frame arm 102 has a projection 104 therein in a length direction of the guide groove 103, and the panel arm 106 has a hole 109 therein for placing the projection therein, for guiding the sliding of the picture frame arm 102 and the panel arm 106 doubly together with the guide groove 103.

Therefore, in a case the picture frame panel 40 is rotated by the rotating units 200, the guide units 100 enable accurate rotation of the picture frame panel 40 and, moreover, rotation beyond the length of the guide units 100 is prevented.

FIG. 13 illustrates the picture frame panel 40 connected to, and rotates around a bottom of the front panel 30.

Referring to FIG. 13, the front panel 30 and the picture frame panel 40 are connected with the guide units 100 at opposite upper side edges, and with the rotating unit 200 at a center of an upper side. The rotating unit 200 rotates the picture frame panel 40 with respect to the front panel 30, which will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the rotating unit 200 wherefrom the front panel 30 is omitted for convenience sake.

Referring to FIG. 14, the rotating unit 200 includes a driving motor 210 to be mounted on the back side of the front panel 30 (see FIG. 3), and a driving unit 220 having one end connected to a driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210, and the other end connected to the picture frame panel 40.

Preferably, the driving motor 210 is a step driving motor for rotating the driving motor shaft 212 by a predetermined angle depending on a current applied from the control unit.

In the meantime, the driving unit 220 includes a rotating bar 230 having one end connected to the driving motor shaft 212 for transmission of rotation of the driving motor shaft 212, and a moving bar 240 having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the rotating bar 230 and the other end rotatably connected to the picture frame panel 40 for rotating the picture frame panel 40 by the rotation transmitted thereto from the rotating bar 230.

The one end 232 of the rotating bar 230 is connected to the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210, such that the rotating bar 230 rotates around the one end 232 following rotation of the driving motor shaft 212. It is preferable that the rotating bar 230 has a plurality of bent portions for reducing a rotating radius around the driving motor shaft 212 when the rotating bar 230 is rotated. In the embodiment, the rotating bar 230 is bent in a C shape, such that the one end 232 and the other end 234 direct the same direction.

In the meantime, the moving bar 240 has one end 242 rotatably hinged on the other end 234 of the rotating bar 230, and the other end 244 rotatably hinged on the rotating bracket 45 on the picture frame base 42. That is, the other end 244 of the moving bar 240 is placed in the bracket 45 of the picture frame base 42 and fastened with a fastening pin 260. The fastening pin 260 includes a pin portion 262 designed to pass through the other end 244 of the moving bar 240 and the bracket 45, and a fastening portion 264 at one side of the pin portion 262 designed to be held at the back side of the picture frame panel 40. The fastening portion 264 of the fastening pin 260 has a rectangular hole 265 for placing a projection 48 on the back side of the picture frame panel 40 to hold each other.

In this structure, if the rotating bar 230 is rotated by the driving motor shaft 212, the other end 234 of the rotating bar 230 moves toward the picture frame panel 40. In this case, the one end 242 of the moving bar 240 moves toward the picture frame panel 40 while rotating relative to the other end of the rotating bar 230, to rotate the picture frame panel 40. In this case, it is preferable that the moving bar 240 moves slowly for sustaining a load of the picture frame panel 40.

In the meantime, referring to FIG. 14, the driving motor 210 is mounted on the back side of the front panel 30, and the rotating bar 230 connected to the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210 and the moving bar 240 are passed through the pass through hole 35 (see FIG. 3) in the front panel 30 and connected to the picture frame panel 40.

A structure for mounting the driving motor 210 to the back side of the front panel 30 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a state the driving motor 210 is separated from the back side of the front panel 30 in the present invention, and FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the front panel 30 having the driving motor 210 mounted on the back side of the front panel 30.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, in the embodiment, the driving motor 210 is mounted on the back side of the front panel 30 with a motor mount 250. That is, the driving motor 210 is fastened to the motor mount 250, and the motor mount 250 with the driving motor 210 is fixedly secured to the back side of the front panel 30.

The motor mount 250 includes a body portion 251 for surrounding an outside circumference of the driving motor 210, a panel fastening portion 254 extended parallel to the back side of the front panel 30 for fastening to the front panel 30, and a motor fastening portion 252 extended from the body portion 251 perpendicular to the panel fastening portion 254 and connected to a flange 214 of the driving motor 210.

The body portion 251 of the motor mount 250 is designed to surround the outside circumference of the driving motor 210, and the motor fastening portion 252 and the panel fastening portion 254 are projected from one side of the body portion 251, such that planes of the motor fastening portion 252 and the panel fastening portion 254 are perpendicular to each other.

In this instance, the driving motor 210 is seated on the body portion 251 of the motor mount 250 such that the driving motor shaft 212 is parallel to the back side of the front panel 30. Accordingly, the fastening hole 215 in the flange 214 of the driving motor 210 is also parallel to the back side of the front panel 30, and the motor fastening portion 252 of the motor mount 250 is opposite to the flange 214 so that the motor fastening portion 252 is fastened to the flange 214 of the driving motor 210. That is, the motor fastening portion 252 is perpendicular to the driving motor shaft 212, and the fastening hole 253 in the motor fastening portion 252 is in a left/right direction, i.e., parallel to the back side of the front panel 30 such that the fastening hole 253 is opposite to the flange 214 of the driving motor 210.

In the meantime, the panel fastening portion 254 of the motor mount 250 is perpendicular to the motor fastening portion 252, i.e., parallel to the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210. In the embodiment, the panel fastening portion 254 of the motor mount 250 is opposite to the back side of the front panel 30 so that the panel fastening portion 254 is in close contact with the back side of the front panel 30. Accordingly, the fastening hole 255 in the panel fastening portion 254 is in a front/rear direction, i.e., perpendicular to the back side of the front panel 30.

A process of mounting the rotating unit of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

The flange 214 of the driving motor 210 and the motor fastening portion 252 of the motor mount 250 are aligned, and a fastening member 216, such as a bolt, is fastened to the fastening holes 215 and 253, to secure the driving motor 210 to the motor mount 250. In this case, the driving motor 210 is seated on the body portion 251 of the motor mount 250.

Then, the driving motor 210 secured to the motor mount 250 is transferred to an assembly site of the indoor unit of the present invention. That is, the driving motor 210 is introduced into an assembly process of the indoor unit in a state the driving motor 210 is mounted on the motor mount 250.

After transferring the driving motor 210, the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210 is connected to the one end of the rotating bar 230, to assemble the driving motor 210 and the rotating bar 230. In this case, the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210 is connected to one side of the one end 232 of the rotating bar 230, and the other end of the one end 232 of the rotating bar 230 is placed in, and hinged on the bracket 219 on the back side of the front panel 30.

Then, the fastening hole 255 of the panel fastening portion 254 is aligned with a boss 217 on the front panel 30 and the front panel 30 and the motor mount 250 are fastened together with a fastening member 249, such as a bolt. In this case, the worker puts the front panel 30 on a working table for assembly, wherein the front panel 30 has the back side facing upward to the worker, so that the worker can fasten the fastening member 249 in a vertical direction, easily. That is, the driving motor 210 and the motor mount 250 are delivered to the worker in a state the driving motor 210 and the motor mount 250 are assembled, and the worker puts the panel fastening portion 254 of the motor mount 250 to the boss 206 closely, and fastens the fastening member 249 in the vertical direction.

As described before, the motor fastening portion 252 of the motor mount 250 is perpendicular to the panel fastening portion 254, even if the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210 is secured to the motor fastening portion 252 in parallel to the back side of the front panel 30, the worker can drive the fastening member 249 in the vertical direction easily after the panel fastening portion 254 of the motor mount 250 is aligned with the boss 206 of the front panel 30. Moreover, in the case the back side of the front panel 30 faces upward placed on the working table for assembly, since the panel fastening portion 254 on the motor mount 250 faces the worker directly, not only enabling the worker to identify a position of the assembly easily, but also preventing the front panel 30 from moving pushed during fastening of the fastening member 249.

After the driving motor 210 is mounted on the back side of the front panel 30, the worker connects the driving unit 220 thereto, which will be described in detail, with reference to FIG. 14.

As described before, if the one end 232 of the rotating bar 230 is connected to the driving motor 210, the other end 234 thereof is projected, and exposed beyond the front of the front panel 30 through the pass through hole 35 (see FIG. 3).

In this state, the worker connects the other end 244 of the moving bar 240 to the rotating bracket 45 of the picture frame base 42. In this case, the worker places the other end 244 of the moving bar 240 in the rotating bracket 45, and places the pin portion 262 of the fastening pin 260 in, and through the other end 244 of the moving bar 240 and the bracket 45. Then, the worker turns the fastening portion 264 of the fastening pin 260 forward, to place the projection 48 in the hole 265 in the fastening portion 264. That is, by fastening the fastening portion 264 to the fastening projection 264, the moving bar 240 is hinged on the picture frame base 42.

Then, the worker places the pin 243 on the one end 242 of the moving bar 240 in the hole 235 in the other end 234 of the rotating bar 230, connecting the moving bar 240 and the rotating bar 230 with a hinge, to finish assembly of the rotating unit 200.

The operation of the rotating unit of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a state the picture frame panel 40 is in close contact with the front panel 30.

The state in FIG. 17 can be a stationary state of the air conditioner. That is, if the air conditioner is put into operation, the picture frame panel 40 is brought into close contact with the front of the front panel 30, closing the suction opening 32 in the front panel 30.

In the meantime, FIG. 18 illustrates a state the picture frame panel 40 is rotated forward, which can be a state the air conditioner is in operation. That is, during operation of the air conditioner, the indoor unit is turned to a state the indoor unit draws/discharges the room air easily, and the control unit of the indoor unit applies a current to the driving motor 210, to rotate the driving motor shaft 212 in an arrow mark direction, i.e., a counter clockwise direction.

In this case, the rotating bar 230, connected to the driving motor shaft 212, rotates in a counter clockwise direction the same with the driving motor shaft 212, to make the other end 234 of the rotating bar 230 to move toward the picture frame panel 40. The moving bar 240, connected to the rotating bar 230, moves forward in proportion to a projected distance of the other end 234 of the rotating bar 230, rotating the picture frame panel 40, accordingly. In this case, since the hinge shafts 41 on the lower side of the front panel 30 are seated on the journals 120 on the lower side of the front panel 30, a top side of the picture frame panel 40 rotates forward around the hinge shafts 41.

In the meantime, a center of gravity of the picture frame panel 40 is in front of the hinge shafts 41, and the picture frame panel 40 is supported on the motor mount 250 connected to the moving bar 240, the rotating bar 230 and the driving motor 210.

Opposite to this, if the indoor unit is stationary, the control unit rotates the driving motor shaft 212 of the driving motor 210 in a clockwise direction, to put the top side of the picture frame panel 40 close to the front panel 30. Since this process is opposite to the process described before, detailed description of this process will be omitted.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Since the industrial applicability of the present invention is described in the disclos ure of the invention, thereby being omitted herein. 

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, having a picture frame panel, the picture frame panel comprising: a picture frame base mounted to a front of the indoor unit; a deco-frame rotatably mounted to a front of the picture frame base; and a supporting unit for supporting the deco-frame in a case the deco-frame rotates with respect to the picture frame base.
 2. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting unit includes; a supporting bar having one end rotatably connected to one of the picture frame base and the deco-frame, and the other end held at the other one thereof.
 3. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the other one to which the supporting bar is not connected includes a supporting member for holding the other end of the supporting bar.
 4. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the supporting member has holding slots for placing in, and setting the other end of the supporting bar.
 5. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding slots are perpendicular to a rotation axis of the deco-frame, and a number of the holding slots are more than two.
 6. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the supporting bar is rotatably mounted in a receiving groove in one of the picture frame base and the deco-frame, and projected to an outside of the picture frame base or the deco-frame.
 7. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the supporting bar includes rotation preventive means for preventing the supporting bar from rotating more than a predetermined angle.
 8. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rotation preventive means includes a bent portion of the supporting bar adjacent to the one end, so that the bent portion is brought into contact with an inside surface of the receiving groove in a case the supporting bar rotates to prevent the supporting bar from rotating any more.
 9. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the supporting bar has a holding grip at one side.
 10. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the other one to which the supporting bar is not connected has a groove for placing the supporting bar therein, selectively.
 11. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein the groove has a step on an inside for holding the other end of the supporting bar.
 12. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step includes; an upper slope on an inside surface of the groove for seating and setting the other end of the supporting bar, and a lower slope extended from a lower portion of the upper slope, with a slope more moderate than the upper slope with respect to the inside surface of the groove.
 13. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the supporting bar has a stopper at the other end, and the groove has falling off preventive ribs at opposite edges, so that the other end of the supporting bar moves along the inside of the groove when the picture frame base rotates.
 14. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 13, further comprising rotation preventive means for preventing the supporting bar from rotating more than a predetermined angle.
 15. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 14, wherein the rotation preventive means includes a stopping step on an inside of the groove, so that one side of the supporting bar is held at the stopping step when the supporting bar rotates following rotation of the picture frame base, to prevent the supporting bar from rotating any more.
 16. The indoor unit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the stopping step is positioned at a position above the step. 